2019 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2019 Honda CR-V was available in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring, with prices starting at $27,690 and reaching up to $39,090, excluding destination charges. The base model offered standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option, while Canadian models came with standard all-wheel drive on all trims except the LX. The CR-V's design was generally appealing, with 17-inch aluminum wheels on the LX and 18-inch wheels on higher trims. The interior was noted for its quality materials and construction, providing a sense of value despite the presence of hard plastics.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a classic Jeep aesthetic with a 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders, appealing to a diverse range of buyers. Prices ranged from $46,245 for the Laredo to $71,045 for the Summit, with high-performance SRT and Trackhawk versions available at a premium. The Limited X trim featured a Slate Blue Pearl exterior with a sport-themed front bumper and 20-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior materials were criticized for lacking substance, especially in models priced over $60,000, where hard plastics became more noticeable.

The 2019 Honda CR-V in Canada came with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission. It offered a choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive, with the latter providing extra traction in slippery conditions. The CR-V's driving dynamics were impressive, with a MacPherson strut front and multi-link double wishbone rear suspension, delivering a composed ride and confident handling. The electric steering was responsive, and the braking system performed well, even under demanding conditions.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with a standard 295-horsepower, 3.6-litre V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, achieving a combined fuel economy of 12.1 L/100 km. For those seeking more power, three V8 engines were available, including a 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the Trackhawk model. The Grand Cherokee offered four different 4WD systems, with the Quadra-Trac II system providing off-road capability. However, its driving dynamics were mixed, with impressive grip but excessive suspension movements and average steering and braking performance.

The 2019 Honda CR-V provided ample interior space, with a comfortable driver's seat featuring 12-way power adjustment and heated front seats standard in Canada. The rear seats offered plenty of room for passengers, with air vents and USB ports for added convenience. Cargo space was generous, with 1,110 litres available behind the back seat and 2,146 litres with the rear seats folded down, accommodating large items with ease.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered seating for five, with 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the backseat and 1,934 litres with the seats folded. The front seats were heated and power-adjustable, but lacked ventilation. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate legroom and air conditioning vents. Interior storage was decent, with a handy tray in the centre console and door-panel bins, though the glovebox was limited in space.

The 2019 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink services. Higher trims offered SiriusXM satellite radio and a premium audio system. However, the system lacked a tuning knob and had a small screen, making it somewhat distracting to use. Voice activation was available but required specific prompts, and the system occasionally malfunctioned.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A 4G LTE WiFi data plan was available, and the test vehicle had a 9-speaker Alpine audio system. Unique to Jeep, the Off-Road Pages app provided off-roading information, while Performance Pages tracked performance metrics in SRT and Trackhawk models.

The 2019 Honda CR-V offered Honda Sensing on all trims except the base LX FWD, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The CR-V received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though its headlight performance was rated as Acceptable.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three ADAS packages, with ProTech I standard on all trims, including a reversing camera and blind-spot monitoring. ProTech II added forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist, while Advanced ProTech II included adaptive cruise control and semi-autonomous parking assist. The Grand Cherokee received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS for driver protection.